On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the floor-to-ceiling windows at the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium were filled with light. It came from the bright afternoon sun, yes, but it also emanated from the broad smiles and bright eyes of those who gathered for Imani Christian Academy’s 2026 Celebration of New Beginnings.

And a celebration it was.

David Berardinelli, Imani’s Board Chair, opened the evening before giving way to the stars of the show — Imani’s students. Clad in colorful dashiki, the African Drum Guild opened with syncopated beats that captivated the attention of everyone in the room. The Gospel Choir followed, singing Siyahamba in the Zulu language of South Africa. Later in the evening, toes tapped and smiles broadened as Imani’s Dance Guild took over the parquet floor with a performance with the rhythmic drum beats as a backdrop. It was an evening of joy, artistry, and unmistakable school pride.

Honoring Distinguished Leaders

Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of Distinguished Leadership Awards to two extraordinary friends of Imani: Dr. John Marshall Grady of GKG Orthodontics and Morton Stanfield, Jr., Senior Vice President of Retail Banking and Community Development at Dollar Bank.

For Stanfield, the award was both a point of pride and a call to action. “Imani’s mission to me is about investing in our future, investing in kids,” he said. “We need to invest in Imani so that it’s here for another 30 years, so that it thrives and can continue to have that impact on so many kids’ lives.” Stanfield also spoke to the broader responsibility of Pittsburgh’s corporate community: “At Dollar Bank, we’re focused on investing in young people because they are the future workforce. They’re the future leaders. We need to make sure we make that investment now so we have a better, stronger Pittsburgh years from now.”

Dr. Grady was equally passionate. A longtime supporter, he marveled at the school’s track record of results achieved with limited resources. “You’re investing in the next generation,” he said. “You’re investing in love. You’re investing in actual human potential.” He pointed to Imani’s 100% graduation rate and college matriculation as proof of what is possible when a school community leads with both structure and heart. “You’re not making them victims,” he said. “You’re making them champions.”

Celebrating a Transformed Campus

The evening also featured a video celebrating Imani’s New Beginnings — and the dramatic transformation of the school’s building. The fundraising and project management for this sweeping renovation was overseen by Bill Schlachter, Principal and Founder of Solve. The improvements included a new parking lot, playground, sidewalks and walkways, new front doors, and interior lobby flooring and lighting, changes that reflect the investment and care this community pours into its students every day.

CEO and Head of School Paulo Nzambi captured the spirit of the evening when he spoke about the generosity that makes Imani’s mission possible. “We raise $3 million every year through philanthropic support,” he shared. “Most people would say this is impossible to do, but because of generous donors like the ones we have here today, we are able to do it year after year.”

A Community of Generous Partners

The extraordinary evening was made possible through the sponsorship of PNC, Jones Day, DeForest Koscelnik & Berardinelli, UPMC Health Plan, Dollar Bank, 84 Lumber, M&J Electrical Contractors, Massaro Construction, First National Bank, AJ Technologies Group, Edgar Snyder, Simpson & McCrady, Buchanan, Xycom, CCAC, Waynesburg University, and BLOCS.

The evening also included the generosity of Jay and Linda Thier, who provided a special monetary match for the night doubling the impact of every dollar raised.

Event support included volunteers from New Community Church, and event management from Kimberly Bogesdorfer at Consult Box and Bill Schlachter at Solve. The synergy of these exceptional people made for a truly splendid evening.

For supporters and friends, staff and students, this night will long be remembered — for the fun, for the celebration, and for the light that seemed to envelope it all.

For those who may have missed it — worry not. Join us next year.

Thank you for your support.